More than 400 supporters made their way to the Ocean City boardwalk on Sunday for the fifteenth annual HERO Walk and One Mile Fun Run. The community came together in a collective effort to raise money for the HERO Campaign and their mission to support families impacted by drunk driving, while spreading awareness about the importance of safe and designated driving.
The event included a memorial ceremony honoring over 30 individuals who lost their lives to a drunk driver. Chairman Bill Elliott spoke to Shore Local during the event. “We want to make sure that no one else gets that knock on the door at four in the morning that we received, and that’s why we’re here, to raise money (and) awareness for the need for everybody to have a designated driver to save lives.”
The HERO Campaign was founded in 2000 after Bill’s son, Navy Ensign John R. Elliott, who was killed in a head-on collision with a drunk driver. Over the last 25 years, more than 100,000 individuals have taken the HERO Pledge not to drink and drive, while many local municipalities have relayed the organization’s vital message: “Be a HERO. Be a Designated Driver.”
Several individuals were recognized for their awareness efforts, including Sofia Ballias, member of the Egg Harbor Township Key Club, who was named Volunteer of the Year by HERO Campaign. “When I first started helping out the HERO Campaign, I already knew that drunk driving was a bad thing and we needed more designated drivers”, Ballies said. “Helping run the events and hearing people’s stories really hit close to home.”
Police departments from throughout the region were represented at Sunday’s event. One of the dignitaries on hand included Atlantic County Sheriff Joe O’Donohue, who spoke briefly to the crowd on hand. “Law enforcement needs you, and we are here to represent this phenomenal program.”
Over the coming months, the Police Patrol Car program will see a major boost thanks to a $500,000 grant awarded by the United States Department of Justice. The four-year grant will enable the organization to raise even more awareness by wrapping police cruisers with the organization’s insignia and message. “We are proud and honored to help the Elliotts and the HERO Campaign to save lives in memory of their son and carry on his proud legacy of service to his country”, Congressman Jeff Van Drew stated.
“John wanted to serve his nation; now he is getting his chance”, Elliott said in a statement.
More information about the HERO Campaign and their recent initiatives can be found online at www.herocampaign.org.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
